How to treat anxiety attacks in children?

[erin_c]

My 9 year old daughter has a sweet life,

Good friends, loving family. But she has inherited an anxiety disorder. We've started counseling and using some tools, but in the middle of a full blown panic attack, I think meds are needed! From my own experience, it's torture to go through (without xanax!)...being a mom on the other side...trying to comfort and hold her ...play soft music, encourage breathing, walk around/move...yet nothing helps.

Does anyone have experience with this? Can xanax be prescribed for kids? I'll be taking her to a psychiatrist asap. It's heartbreaking.

[fauxartist]

your a very loving and caring parent, sorry your going through that pain....I would say for sure talk to her therapist about that. I know xanax can be very helpful in adults, but it is an addictive drug as well. And if your daughter is prescribed benzo's for her anxiety attacks, I would recommend that you have control over the dosage and access to the medication. I did read some articles and some doctors do prescribe benzos...xanax or valium to teenagers, but it's up to the doctor, they may want to go a different direction other than meds.

[Unclebuck455]

As someone who has dealt with anxiety all my life and who is currently only 2 days off of an extended titration taper off of Xanax, I would avoid it like the plague. While it can be useful, it was for me, it's a very dangerous and addictive drug. I can't imagine having a child with anxiety. I would look at other natural courses such as niacin/niacinamide, amino acids such as tryptophan, glycine, GABA, etc. Possibly seek out a naturopathic doctor? Have you tried testing her blood sugar? Hypoglycemia can mimic anxiety/panic attacks. My family doctor tried pushing the idea on me. I thought she was nuts as my blood sugar never tested low. Yesterday, I was in the midst of some quite elevated anxiety symptoms so I decided to drink some apple juice. Within 30-45 minutes, I felt a drastic physical change for the better. Could just be coincidence but worth looking into.

[Agora1 in reply to Unclebuck455]

Good Luck Unclebuck455 in weaning off your Xanax. I've been where you are. Slow and safe is the way to go. Am now benzo free My best to you x

[Unclebuck455 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you!!

[erin_c in reply to Unclebuck455]

Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences. We are using natural courses as well (GABA, magnesium)...going to look into gut health too. Good luck with tapering, take care.

[Gordo6500]

Hi erin my grandson has anxiety disorder, so we feel your pain. My daughter in law has started him on Dha for kids in gummie form and L theanine at my urging .I'm a big fan of it because it helped with my anxiety. Do some research to see if it's something you might to try they are all natural. Seems, to be working for him he's 5 yrs old.